Henderson Police search for suspect

Keith Paul

Friday, May 12, 2000 | 12:03 p.m.

Henderson Police have a warrant charging the boyfriend of a woman found dead in her apartment in March with murder and were searching for him this morning.

Police suspect Stephen A. Briller fled the state and is making his way to Florida.

Teri Roberts, 33, was found dead in her American Pacific Drive apartment on March 22. She had been dead several weeks before her body was found, said Capt. Richard Perkins of Henderson Police's criminal investigation division.

"He was living with her and actually lived there after she died," Perkins said. "We believe he was involved in her death. He fled the area before we could talk with him, but he told other people he was leaving for Florida."

The decomposition of the body hampered the investigation and so far the Clark County Coroner's office has not been able to determine a cause or manner of death.

But Coroner Ron Flud said in such cases a manner of death often is determined with the help of the police investigation.

Police would not reveal why they suspect Briller is involved in Roberts' death or what evidence they have that led them to obtain a murder warrant for him.

"His actions after her death leads us to believe he had something to do with it," Perkins said. "That he was living in the house after she died also gives rise to some concerns."

Anyone with information in this case or who may know the whereabouts of Briller is asked to call Detective Howard Scow at 565-2031 or Secret Witness at 385-5555.

Keith Paul covers crime and public safety for the Sun. He can be reached at (702) 259-4057 or by e-mail at keith@lasvegassun.com.